NEED TO KNOW
- Joseph Andrus, 30, was allegedly killed by his Uber passenger
- He is being remembered by his family as a courageous and reliable older brother, son and friend, who persevered through his struggles
- Sheliky Sanchez has been arrested on a murder charge in connection with the killing
A New Mexico teen has been arrested on a murder charge after he allegedly called an Uber with the intention of killing a driver so he could relieve his stress.
The Uber driver, Joseph Andrus, was killed Thursday, Aug. 7, after driving 18-year-old Sheliky Sanchez, who allegedly shot Andrus multiple times, according to court documents and a police statement cited by KOB, the Albuquerque Journal and KOAT.
During his interview with police, Sanchez allegedly admitted to killing Andrus, the outlets reported. He allegedly said he needed to “let off some steam,” per KOB, the Albuquerque Journal and KRQE.
Authorities allege Sanchez ordered his girlfriend to get him an Uber before he went through different drivers and ultimately picked Andrus for the ride, per KOB, the Albuquerque Journal and KRQE.
He picked Andrus because he “seemed like a good guy,” Sanchez allegedly told police, adding that he doesn’t “really go for good people,” according to the Albuquerque Journal.
He told police he had an enjoyable chat with Andrus, who he thought was a “really cool guy,” per the outlet.
Sanchez then ordered Andrus to step out of the car and shot him multiple times, per his alleged confession, KOB, Albuquerque Journal and KOAT reported.
He allegedly fled in Andrus’ car, which police say they later found outside Sanchez’s girlfriend’s house.
Andrus is being remembered by his friends and family for his kindness, bravery and perseverance. He graduated from college in July, his mother said in a Facebook post, adding that it was “his goal for years.”
“He’s the only person his little sister wanted to call before surgeries. He helped her be calm and brave,” wrote Allison Jackson Green. “She smiled first for him. Her first word was Joey. He’s her hero.”
His friend Oli Rogers wrote in a tribute that his “family is asking for people to do whatever he would do: do one nice thing for a stranger everyday. This will hold his legacy.”
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Sanchez has been charged with murder, armed robbery and tampering with evidence, the Albuquerque Journal and KOAT reported, citing court documents.
He appeared in court on Saturday, Aug. 9, but it wasn’t immediately clear if he entered pleas. Prosecutors filed a motion to keep him in jail as he awaits his trial. A judge will hear that motion in the coming days, per KOB.
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